Giesman, Elizabeth Jane (Werst) 1910-2006

GIESMAN, WERST, HITTLE

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/23/2006 at 18:17:05

Elizabeth Jane Giesman was born June 11, 1919, in Ozawkie, Kan. She was one of 12 children born to Melissa Belle Hittle and Benjamin Franklin Werst. On Nov. 21, 1939, in Olathe, Kan., Jane married Henry Edward Giesman. They had six children.

In March 1951, the family moved to Knoxville from Kansas. After Henry's death on Dec. 23, 1962, the family moved to Columbia.

Jane worked hard to raise six children alone. She was employed for over 12 years at the Overall Factory in Chariton. Later she cooked for the Marion County Home, which was her favorite job. She prepared homemade bread for the residents daily. Her family still remembers the wonderful taste and fragrance of her bread. Whenever there was a family gathering, Jane made enough bread for everyone. Jane gardened and canned for the family. She always raised a huge patch of sweet potatoes; however there was always room for some flowers. Jane raised African violets and sold her surplus plants. She enjoyed sewing especially quilts. Jane was active in the Columbia United Methodist Church for over 40 years. The United Methodist Women's meetings were anticipated social events for Jane. She was affectionately called "Grandma Jane" by her grandchildren and half the kids in Columbia. Family and church were the center of Jane's life. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Elizabeth Jane Giesman died April 12 at the age of 86.

Those preceding her in death were her parents, husband and six brothers and sisters.

She is survived by four sons, Ralph Giesman and his wife, Roseanne of Dennison; John Giesman and his wife, Sharon of Buffalo Center; Fred Giesman and his wife, Diane of Kellogg and Harold Giesman of Columbia; two daughters and their husbands, Rosalie and Terry Nielsen and Virginia and Ed Oxenreider of Chariton; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Herbert Werst; four sisters, Ruth Hendon, Sarah Mullins, Nancy Prock and Miriam Barnhart and one special neighbor, Cindy.

Funeral services were held for Elizabeth Jane Giesman on April 15 in Knoxville with Pastor Brent Hanna officiating. Interment was in Lincoln Cemetery in rural Marion County. Memorial contributions in memory of Ms. Giesman may be made to the Columbia United Methodist Church.

The Knoxville Journal Express, April 28, 2006